JP2019159436A - Management device for print data, printing system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To determine whether to extend the expiration date of print data in consideration of demands of a side which utilizes print data and a load on a side which manages the print data.SOLUTION: An expiration date management part 30 manages the expiration date of print data managed by a print data management device 100. The expiration date of the print data is stored in a data storage part 20 together with the print data associatively with the print data to be managed. An extension determination part 40 determines whether to extend the expiration date of the print data based upon actual result data representing an actual result of use of the print data and load data representing the load state of the data storage part 20 stored with the print data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a print data management apparatus, a printing system, and a program.

  For example, apparatuses and systems that manage print data such as document files (document data) and image files (image data) are known.

  Patent Document 1 displays a confirmation message on the device side when the expiration date of the file has arrived, deletes the file in response to an instruction input agreeing to delete the file by the user on the device side, A file management apparatus is described that continues to hold the file in response to an instruction input to continue holding the file by the user on the side.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, regarding image data that has reached the storage deadline, an inquiry is made to the storage person of the image data to extend the storage time limit based on information such as the frequency of use of the image data, and the image data An image processing apparatus is described that performs a storage period extension process when an accumulator wishes to extend an accumulation period.

JP 07-225704 A JP 2001-051820 A

  For example, there is a demand on the side using print data, such as a registrant or user of print data, to extend the expiration date of the print data as necessary. On the other hand, the print data management side may want to limit the extension of the expiration date, for example, because the storage capacity of the storage means for storing the print data is limited.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to make it possible to determine whether or not to extend the expiration date of print data while taking into account the demand on the side using the print data and the burden on the side managing the print data. is there.

  The invention according to claim 1 is based on management means for managing the expiration date of the print data, actual data indicating the actual use of the print data, and load data indicating the load state of the storage means in which the print data is stored. And a determination means for determining whether or not to extend the expiration date of the print data.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the management apparatus according to the first aspect, the printing device used by the user of the print data uses the extension of the expiration date of the print data determined to extend the expiration date by the determination unit. The print data management apparatus further includes a notification unit.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the management device according to the first or second aspect, the means for notifying the web account of the extension of the expiration date of the print data determined to extend the expiration date by the determination means. A print data management apparatus further comprising:

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the management device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the accepting unit accepts a setting for automatically extending the expiration date for the print data from a registered user who registers the print data. And an extension means for extending the expiration date of the print data when automatic extension of the expiration date is set for the print data determined to extend the expiration date by the determination means. A print data management apparatus.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the management apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, identification information of a registered user who registers print data and identification of a printing user different from the registered user Identification means for identifying a registered user and a printing user based on the information, and the determination means includes record data indicating a record of use of print data by the print user identified by the identification means; The print data management apparatus determines whether to extend the expiration date of the print data based on load data indicating a load state of the storage unit in which the print data is stored.

  The invention according to claim 6 is a printing system comprising a print data management device and an image forming device, wherein the print data management device comprises a management means for managing the expiration date of the print data, and a print data usage record. Determination means for determining whether or not to extend the expiration date of the print data based on the result data indicating the load data and the load data indicating the load state of the storage means in which the print data is stored, and The image forming apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires print data requested to be output from a user from the print data management device, a printing unit that prints and outputs an image of the print data acquired by the acquisition unit on a print medium, It is a printing system characterized by having.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer with a function for managing an expiration date of print data, record data indicating a use record of print data, and load data indicating a load state of a storage unit storing the print data. And a function for determining whether or not to extend the expiration date of the print data.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not to extend the expiration date of the print data while taking into consideration the demand on the side using the print data and the burden on the side managing the print data. .

  With the invention according to claim 2, it becomes possible to notify the user of the print data of the extension of the expiration date of the print data.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the user can be notified of the extension of the expiration date of the print data via the web.

  According to the invention of claim 4, a registered user of print data can select whether to automatically extend the expiration date of the print data.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not to extend the expiration date of the print data based on the use record of the print data by the print user different from the registered user.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing system that determines whether or not to extend an expiration date of print data while taking into consideration a request on the side of using the print data and a burden on the side of managing the print data. Realized.

  The invention according to claim 7 provides a program for determining whether or not to extend the expiration date of the print data while taking into account the demand on the side using the print data and the burden on the side managing the print data. Is done.

It is a figure which shows the specific example of a printing system provided with the printing data management apparatus. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a print data management apparatus. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the extension determination process of an expiration date. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the usage condition of printing data, and the determination conditions of a usage record. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display image displayed on a printing apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a specific example of a printing system provided with a print data management apparatus 100.

  The printing system of the specific example shown in FIG. 1 includes a print data management apparatus 100, one or more printing apparatuses 200, and one or more user devices 300. The print data management apparatus 100, the printing apparatus 200, and the user device 300 are connected to each other via a communication line (communication network) 400 such as the Internet and exchange data (information).

  The print data management apparatus 100 manages print data registered from the user (registered user) via the user device 300. The print data management apparatus 100 outputs print data to the printing apparatus 200 in response to an output request from a user (a registered user or a print user different from the registered user).

  The printing apparatus 200 acquires print data requested to be output from the user from the print data management apparatus 100, prints an image of the print data (including images of only characters and symbols) on a print medium such as paper, and outputs the print data. . One specific example of the printing apparatus 200 is a printer having a printing function. The printing apparatus 200 may be a composite apparatus having a plurality of image output functions such as a printing function, a scanner function, and a copying function. The printing apparatus 200 may be installed in a store such as a convenience store and used by an unspecified number of customers.

  The user device 300 is an apparatus used by users (registered users and printing users) of the printing system shown in FIG. FIG. 1 illustrates an information processing apparatus 310 such as a personal computer and a mobile terminal apparatus 320 such as a smartphone or a tablet as specific examples of the user device 300.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the print data management apparatus 100 (FIG. 1). In the specific example illustrated in FIG. 2, the print data management apparatus 100 includes a registration receiving unit 10, a data storage unit 20, an expiration date management unit 30, an extension determination unit 40, a usage record management unit 50, a user identification unit 60, and an extension process. Unit 70 and extension notification unit 80.

  The registration receiving unit 10 receives registration of print data from the user (registered user) via the user device 300 (FIG. 1). “Registration of print data” is not limited to registration of the substance of print data. For example, print data for acquiring print data from a storage device such as another storage device (not shown) via a communication line is used. Registration of information specifying the print data acquisition destination including the file name and location information such as the URL of the storage device storing the print data may be used. Further, the registration receiving unit 10 receives a setting for automatically extending the expiration date for the print data from a registered user who registers the print data. The term of validity means a time limit during which print data can be accessed. The print data entity remains in the storage device, but access to the print data is prohibited, or the print data entity is deleted (erased) from the storage device to remove the access target.

  The data storage unit 20 stores print data managed by the print data management apparatus 100. The data storage unit 20 is realized by using a storage device such as a hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory, for example.

  The expiration date management unit 30 manages the expiration date of the print data managed by the print data management apparatus 100. The expiration date of the print data is stored in the data storage unit 20 and managed together with the print data in association with the print data. If the print data is associated with the print data, the expiration date of the print data may be stored in a storage device different from the data storage unit 20.

  The extension determination unit 40 determines whether to extend the expiration date of the print data based on the record data indicating the use record of the print data and the load data indicating the load state of the data storage unit 20 in which the print data is stored. Determine whether. The load state of the data storage unit 20 is, for example, the degree of load that the data storage unit 20 bears or plans to bear for data storage. For example, specific examples of load data indicating the load state of the data storage unit 20 include the data capacity already stored in the data storage unit 20 and the free capacity of the data storage unit 20. In addition to the current data capacity and the current free capacity stored in the data storage unit 20, the data storage unit 20 is expected to be stored in the future and the data capacity is expected to be increased. Load data indicating the load state of the data storage unit 20 may be generated based on the planned expansion capacity that is scheduled to be stored.

  The use record management unit 50 generates and manages record data indicating the use record of print data. The user identifying unit 60 identifies whether the user who uses the print data is a registered user of the print data or a print user different from the registered user.

  The extension processing unit 70 executes a process for extending the expiration date of the print data determined to be extended by the extension determination unit 40. Then, the extension notification unit 80 notifies the extension of the expiration date of the print data determined to be extended by the extension determination unit 40.

  The specific example of the print data management apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 2 can be realized using a computer, for example. The computer includes a computing device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a memory and a hard disk, a communication device using a communication line such as the Internet, a device that reads data from a storage medium such as an optical disk and a semiconductor memory, writes data, and a display such as a display Hardware resources such as a device and an operation device that receives an operation from a user are provided.

  Then, for example, a program (software) corresponding to at least a part of a plurality of parts with reference numerals provided in the print data management apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 is read into the computer, and hardware resources provided in the computer In cooperation with the read software, at least a part of the functions of the print data management apparatus 100 is realized by a computer. For example, the program may be provided to a computer (print data management apparatus 100) via a communication line such as the Internet, or may be stored in a storage medium such as an optical disk or a semiconductor memory and the computer (print data management apparatus 100). May be provided.

  The overall configuration of the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1 and the print data management apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 is as described above. Next, with regard to functions and the like realized by the printing system of FIG. 1 and the print data management apparatus 100 of FIG. 2, (1) registration of print data, (2) printing of print data, (3) extension of expiration date, Details will be described in the order of (4) expiration date extension processing and (5) expiration date extension notification processing. In addition, about the structure (part) shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, the code | symbol of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 is utilized in the following description.

(1) Registration of Print Data A registered user requests the print data management apparatus 100 to register print data using the user device 300, for example. Upon receiving a print data registration request from the registered user's user device 300, the registration receiving unit 10 of the print data management apparatus 100 stores (registers) the print data in the data storage unit 20 for management.

  Then, the print data management apparatus 100 generates a specific key for specifying the registered print data, and notifies the registered user of the print data of the generated specific key. For example, the information on the specific key is transmitted to the user device 300 used by the registered user.

  In addition, the expiration date of the print data is set when the print data is registered. For example, when a registered user specifies an expiration date when registering print data, the expiration date management unit 30 assigns the expiration date specified by the registered user to the print data. When the registered user does not specify an expiration date, a predetermined expiration date (for example, the maximum allowable expiration date) is assigned to the print data. The expiration date information assigned to the print data is stored in the data storage unit 20 together with the print data and managed by the expiration date management unit 30.

  Further, for example, when registering print data, the registration receiving unit 10 receives a setting as to whether or not to automatically extend the expiration date of the print data from the registered user of the print data. Information related to setting whether to automatically extend the expiration date is also stored and managed in the data storage unit 20 together with, for example, print data.

(2) Printing of print data A user who desires printing of print data managed by the print data management apparatus 100 uses a printing apparatus 200 installed in a store such as a convenience store, for example. Or a symbol-only image) on a print medium such as paper.

  The user inputs a specific key to the printing apparatus 200 and searches for print data corresponding to the specific key from among a plurality of print data managed by the print data management apparatus 100. For example, when the user operates a print start button displayed in the search result screen, an image of print data corresponding to the specific key is output (printed) by the printing apparatus 200.

  The user who prints the print data may be a registered user who registered the print data, or may be a print user different from the registered user. For example, when a registered user discloses a specific key through a social networking service (SNS) or the like, the specific key is notified to a printing user different from the registered user. A printing user who can know the specific key of the print data can print the print data by inputting the specific key to the printing apparatus 200 even if the user is not the registrant of the print data.

(3) Validity period extension determination The print data management apparatus 100 manages, for example, a plurality of print data registered by a plurality of registered users. The extension determination unit 40 executes an expiration date extension determination process for a plurality of print data stored and managed in the data storage unit 20.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the expiration date extension determination process. For example, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, for example, the extension determination unit 40 applies a plurality of print data stored in the data storage unit 20 periodically (for example, once a day) by batch processing or the like. The expiration date extension judgment process is executed every time.

  First, it is determined whether the expiration date of the print data is near (S1). For example, it is determined that the expiration date is close if the remaining number of days for the expiration date is equal to or less than a criterion value (for example, 3 days), and is determined not to be near if the remaining number of days for the expiration date is greater than the criterion value. The

  For print data whose expiration date is not near, expiration date extension processing is not performed. On the other hand, for the print data determined to have a near expiration date, it is determined whether or not the usage record of the print data satisfies the condition (S2).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the usage record of print data and a determination condition related to the use record. The usage record data is data indicating the usage record of the print data, and is managed by the use record management unit 50. The usage record management unit 50 manages the usage record data for each print data for a plurality of print data stored in the data storage unit 20.

  In the specific example shown in FIG. 4, the usage record data includes the file name of the print data, the number of searches, and the number of prints. The file name of the print data is the file name of the print data corresponding to the usage record data. The search count is the number of times print data corresponding to the file name is searched, and the print count is the number of times print data corresponding to the file name is printed.

  Note that the usage record management unit 50 separately counts the number of searches and the number of prints by the registered user and the number of print users different from the registered user, as in the specific example shown in FIG. May be. Use by a registered user and use by a printing user are identified by a user identifying unit 60.

  The user identification unit 60, for example, personal information (for example, a user name or an e-mail address) obtained from a registered user of the print data when registering the print data, and when using (searching or printing) the print data. It compares personal information (for example, user name, mail address, etc.) obtained from the user of the print data. Note that the personal information of the user of the print data may be obtained from, for example, electronic money or a card used for payment of the usage fee.

  The user identification unit 60 determines that the user of the print data is a registered user when the personal information of the user of the print data matches the personal information of the registered user, and the user of the print data If the personal information of the registered user does not match, it is determined that the user of the print data is a print user different from the registered user.

  FIG. 4 shows a specific example of the determination condition regarding the usage record. In specific example 1, “the number of searches is 15 or more” is set as the determination condition. Therefore, when the determination condition of the specific example 1 is set, if the number of searches in the usage record data of the print data to be determined is 15 or more, it is determined that the print data satisfies the determination condition. If the number of searches is less than 15, it is determined that the print data does not satisfy the determination condition.

  In specific example 2, “the number of times of printing is 10 times or more” is set as the determination condition. As in specific example 2, the usage record may be determined based on the number of times of printing. A determination condition that combines the number of searches and the number of prints may be set.

  In specific example 3, “the printing user's number of printing is 10 times or more” is set as the determination condition. Accordingly, when the determination condition of the specific example 3 is set, if the number of times of printing by the printing user is 10 or more out of the number of prints in the usage record data of the print data to be determined, the print data Is determined to satisfy the determination condition, and if the number of times of printing by the printing user is less than 10, it is determined that the print data does not satisfy the determination condition. For example, as exemplified in the third specific example, the use result of print data by a print user different from the registered user may be used as the determination condition.

  In addition, as the usage record data, in addition to the number of times search and printing have been performed, the date and time when the search and print have been performed is managed, and the most recent (for example, the last one week, etc.) usage record as the determination condition related to the use record. A determination condition for determining as a determination target may be set.

  Returning to FIG. 3, due to the determination of whether or not the usage record of the print data satisfies the condition (S 2), the expiration date extension process is not performed for the print data whose usage record does not satisfy the determination condition. On the other hand, for the print data for which the usage record is determined to satisfy the determination condition, the load state of the data storage unit 20 is determined based on the load data regarding the data storage unit 20 in which the print data is stored. For example, the free capacity of the data storage unit 20 is used as load data, and it is determined whether or not the free capacity is equal to or greater than a threshold value used as a determination criterion (S3).

  If the free capacity of the data storage unit 20 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process for extending the expiration date of the print data to be determined is not performed. On the other hand, if the free space in the data storage unit 20 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the print data satisfying the conditions S1 to S3 is the target of the extension process, and the process for extending the expiration date of the print data is executed. (S4).

(4) Extension process of expiration date The extension processing unit 70 executes the extension process of the expiration date of the print data determined by the extension determination unit 40 as the target of the extension process of the expiration date.

  For example, if the automatic extension of the expiration date of the print data is set by the registered user of the print data, the extension processing unit 70 performs the validity of the print data in the extension processing of the expiration date (S4 in FIG. 3). Automatically extend the deadline. For example, the expiration date is automatically extended for a set number of days (for example, one week) set as the extension period. On the other hand, when the automatic extension of the expiration date of the print data is not set by the registered user of the print data, the extension processing unit 70 does not extend the expiration date of the print data.

  Further, if the print data registration user has not set the automatic extension of the expiration date of the print data, the extension processing unit 70 registers the print data in the extension processing of the expiration date (S4 in FIG. 3). The user may be inquired whether to extend the expiration date. For example, an inquiry message or the like is transmitted to the user device 300 used by the registered user. The extension processing unit 70 extends the expiration date when an extension of the expiration date is instructed by the registered user, and does not extend the expiration date when the extension of the expiration date is not instructed by the registered user.

  Even when there is no function for setting automatic extension of the expiration date when registering print data, whether or not to extend the expiration date to the registered user of the print data in the expiration date extension process (S4 in FIG. 3). You may make it inquire about.

  In the expiration date extension process (S4 in FIG. 3), the print data management apparatus 100 specifies the print data for the print data determined to be the extension process target in the processes from S1 to S3 in FIG. Search whether the key is published on, for example, social networking service (SNS), and if the specific key is published, it is judged that the user is highly interested and the expiration date of the print data is automatically extended. You may make it do.

(5) Notification process for extension of expiration date The extension notification unit 80 notifies extension of the expiration date of the print data determined by the extension determination unit 40 as being subject to the extension process of the expiration date. For example, the extension notification unit 80 notifies the extension of the expiration date of the print data that satisfies the conditions S1 to S3 in FIG. 3 and is determined by the extension determination unit 40 to be the target of the extension process. The content of the notification includes, for example, an expiration date after extension.

  For example, the extension notification unit 80 notifies the printing apparatus 200 used by the user of the print data of the extension of the expiration date of the print data determined to be the target of the extension process. Thereby, for example, a message about the extension of the expiration date is displayed on the operation panel of the printing apparatus 200. For example, the printing apparatus 200 indicates that the expiration date has been extended for print data that has been published by a social networking service (SNS) and has a record of use by a printing user different from the registered user. If it is possible to notify the printing user who prints, the effect that the expiration date is extended by the printing user is expected to be spread (spread) through the SNS. As a result, the registered user is expected to have an effect that more print users can use the print data registered by the user.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a display image displayed on the printing apparatus 200. The display image illustrated in FIG. 5 is displayed on the operation panel of the printing apparatus 200. For example, when a user inputs a specific key of print data to the printing apparatus 200 and print data corresponding to the specific key is searched from among a plurality of print data managed by the print data management apparatus 100, the search result The display image of FIG.

  If the retrieved print data is the subject of the extension process, for example, as in the specific example shown in FIG. 5, “the expiration date of the searched file has been extended to 2017/12/27” A message about the extension is displayed.

  Incidentally, the display image of the search result illustrated in FIG. 5 displays file information such as a file name, a file size, and a color mode related to the searched print data, and further, a print image indicating the image content of the print data, The print fee required for printing is also displayed. Then, the user pays the print fee and operates the print start button in the search result display screen to start printing the print data.

  Further, the extension notification unit 80 may notify the web account of, for example, an extension of the expiration date of the print data determined to be the target of the extension process. For example, if a post of a registered user of print data determined to be subject to extension processing is on the social networking service (SNS), an extension of the expiration date of the print data is notified as a reply to the post. Accordingly, it is possible to notify a user who desires printing of print data via the social networking service (SNS) that the expiration date of the print data is extended.

  For example, a print data creator (creator) registers print data as a registered user, and the creator posts a specific key of the print data to a social networking service (SNS). The creator's fan who saw the post becomes the printing user and prints the print data. In such a usage form of print data, for example, via a social networking service (SNS), it is possible to notify a fan who is a print user that the expiration date of the print data is extended.

  Of course, an extension of the expiration date of the print data may be notified from an account that the print data management apparatus 100 has uniquely, or an extension of the expiration date of the print data is notified as a reply to a post including information relating to the print data. May be.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described, embodiment mentioned above is only a mere illustration in all the points, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention includes various modifications without departing from the essence thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Registration reception part, 20 Data storage part, 30 Expiration date management part, 40 Extension determination part, 50 Usage result management part, 60 User identification part, 70 Extension processing part, 80 Extension notification part, 100 Print data management apparatus, 200 Printing device, 300 user equipment, 310 information processing device, 320 portable terminal device.

Claims (7)

A management means for managing the expiration date of the print data;
Determining means for determining whether or not to extend the expiration date of the print data based on the record data indicating the use record of the print data and the load data indicating the load state of the storage means storing the print data;
A print data management apparatus. The management device according to claim 1,
Further comprising means for notifying the printing apparatus used by the user of the print data of the extension of the expiration date of the print data determined to extend the expiration date by the determination means.
An apparatus for managing print data. In the management device according to claim 1 or 2,
A means for notifying the web account of an extension of the expiration date of the print data determined to extend the expiration date by the determination means;
An apparatus for managing print data. In the management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Accepting means for accepting a setting for automatic extension of the expiration date for the print data from a registered user for registering the print data;
An extension means for extending the expiration date of the print data when automatic extension of the expiration date is set for the print data determined to extend the expiration date by the determination means;
Further having
An apparatus for managing print data. In the management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An identification means for identifying the registered user and the printing user based on the identification information of the registered user who registers the print data and the identification information of the printing user different from the registered user;
The determination unit is configured to output the print data based on the record data indicating the use record of the print data by the printing user identified by the identification unit and the load data indicating the load state of the storage unit storing the print data. Determine whether to extend the expiration date of
An apparatus for managing print data. A printing system comprising a print data management device and an image forming device,
The print data management device includes:
A management means for managing the expiration date of the print data;
Determining means for determining whether or not to extend the expiration date of the print data based on the record data indicating the use record of the print data and the load data indicating the load state of the storage means storing the print data;
Have
The image forming apparatus includes:
Acquisition means for acquiring print data requested to be output from a user from the print data management apparatus;
Printing means for printing an image of print data acquired by the acquisition means on a print medium and outputting the print data;
Having
A printing system characterized by that. On the computer,
A function to manage the expiration date of print data;
A function for determining whether to extend the expiration date of the print data based on the record data indicating the use record of the print data and the load data indicating the load state of the storage unit storing the print data;
A program that realizes

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